Assessing the consistency between the anthropometric method and bioelectrical impedance analysis when calculating the Heath-Carter somatotype in people without obesity: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Body physique assessment is important for various fields of science and practice, including anthropology, medicine, sports nutrition and pedagogy. The classic Heath-Carter method is complex and multi-step, while bioelectrical impedance analysis makes it easier and faster to evaluate this parameter. The purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of the anthropometric method and bio-electrical impedance analysis in assessing the somatotype. Differences and a low degree of agreement were found between these methods in determining the somatotype.

Study design: Studies were carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Biological Anthropology of the Russian University of Sports "SCOLIPE" (Russia) and the morphological departments of the medical faculties of Osh State University (OshSU) of the Kyrgyz Republic from February to April 2024.

Results: Bioelectrical impedance analysis quickly and more significantly speeds up the process of assessing a person's body type.

Conclusion: Bioimpe-dance analysis shows an increased level of mesomorphy scores in both males and females, and the difference in males is more pronounced. On the other hand, endomorphy scores were lower when assessing the somatotype using the anthropometric method.